The Scarlet Letter (5) Essays - Films, Creative Works,

The Scarlet Letter: A Devil In Disguise The master of deception is not Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. It's not social media or art. It's not even the enticing and popular magician David Copperfield. The master of deception is far beyond earthly beings. It lays below the earth with only the most evil of spirits. This is none other than the Devil himself. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter , has thoroughly captured the grotesque ways of Satan through his character Roger Chillingworth. Although some may disagree and say he is not, Roger Chillingworth is the perfect embodiment of Satan. We can all agree that Chillingworth is the antagonist in this novel. However, since not all are convinced his character symbolizes the Devil, I have three compelling topics of evidence to make you think. One, he is filled with vengeance. Two, he physically resembles a demon. Lastly, comparisons are made that refer to the Bible's description of Satan and Hell. As we discussed, Chillingworth can be seen as a representation of the devil in many ways. To begin with, he is filled with vengeance from the very moment he learns about Hester's crime. Revenge is an immoral quality, especially when it consumes one's life. Chillingworth shows his obsession by saying "I shall seek this man, as I have sought truth in books; as I have sought gold in alchemy. There is a sympathy that will make me conscious of him. I shall see him tremble. I shall feel myself shudder, suddenly and unawares. Sooner or later, he must needs be mine!". Somebody of faith would likely forgive Hester, but Chillingworth does the opposite. Also, Chillingworth is not a religious individual. He is familiar with dark practices such as alchemy, and looks at life from a scientific perspective. Physically, Chillingworth is described as deformed and unattractive. His shoulders aren't even and he is old. Over time, his features become more demon-like: "what a change had come over his features,-how much uglier they were,-how his dark complexion seemed to have grown duskier, and his figure more misshapen," Nathaniel Hawthorne describes. The Bible references made are very clear. About Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth's torture of him, Hester says, 'Better he had died at once!' 'Yea, woman, thou sayest truly!' cried old Roger Chillingworth, letting the lurid fire of his heart blaze out before her eyes. This lurid fire seems to refer to the Bible's image of the fires of hell which have been kindled in his heart since he began to exact his evil vengeance on Dimmesdale. Finally, Chillingworth says, I pity thee, for the good that has been wasted in thy nature.' 'And I thee,' answered Hester Prynne, 'for the hatred that has transformed a wise and just man to a fiend!' In the Bible, the devil is often referred to as the Arch Fiend, and so this quotation may be interpreted as Hester again comparing Chillingworth to the devil. In conclusion, Nathaniel Hawthorne's character, Roger Chillingworth, from The Scarlet Letter , horrifically symbolizes Satan as the nasty being "it" is. Between his hateful vengeance, demonic appearance, and clear Biblical references; I am so relieved this particular man only lives in the book. As Christians, it is important for us to recognize these evil beings and stay true to our Lord, the only one who can protect us from the Devil's deception.